The “Methods of Shen and Han” refers to the statecraft advocated by Shen Buhai and Han Fei, two leading figures of the Legalist school during the Warring States period.
Han Fei synthesized Shang Yang’s emphasis on fa (law), Shen Buhai’s focus on shu (statecraft or administrative method), and Shen Dao’s doctrine of shi (power or positional authority), proposing a system of governance centered on the integration of law, statecraft, and authority. He advocated strategies such as exalting the ruler while restraining ministers and maintaining tight control over officials.
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